Exhibition in Slough: Reflections—'Sangat' and the Self

In Slough, UK, Without Shape Without Form (WSWF) is an assembly of contemporary artists, cultural practitioners, and thinkers committed to making self-discovery accessible through art. WSWF was co-founded in 2017 by Deep Kaur Kailey, formerly a fashion director at Tatler and fashion editor at Vogue India. WSWF is a volunteer-run organization, embodying the concept of Seva (selfless service). Two of the key concepts explored in the newly renovated space’s inaugural exhibition, Reflections—Sangat and the Self, are, as the title suggests, sangat (assembly), and the all-important tool of simran (remembrance). Kailey says, 'This exhibition underscores the idea that true and lasting healing begins within us.' Jasmir Creed, one of the two artists whose work is showcased, adds, 'When others connect with my work—its subject matter, or the way it is expressed—it becomes something shared. In those moments, healing moves beyond the individual and becomes collective.' The other artist, Roo Kaur Dhissou says, 'Through practice, I enjoy learning and exchanging ideas. I believe there are no authoritative figures on knowledge, so through participation and engagement, I facilitate discourse around race, gender, disability, and social class, and their intersections. These conversations are not always easy—conflict can be necessary—and dialogue can hold that conflict.' Healing, community, engagement, accessibility, and Simran are all part of this vital dialogue with gallery-goers. Alongside her paintings, Creed is also showing intensely detailed, monochromatic ink drawings. She uses ink for its fluidness and to emphasise the idea of transience—being in transit. Dhissou says, 'I’m never sure what box to tick on an equal opportunities form. Am I British Asian, Indian, where’s the box for Panjabi? I feel like I could be in between these boxes, I am beyond these boxes.' Meanwhile, Slough Sikhs, in partnership with NishkamSWAT, dedicated their homeless feed on Slough High Street to the memory of Shahid (martyr) Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra. Bhai Khalra was a prominent human rights defender who uncovered evidence of mass abductions, torture, and extrajudicial killings of Sikhs in Panjab during the 1980s and 1990s. Sep marks the 30^th anniversary of Bhai Khalra’s disappearance and martyrdom (earlier coverage).